Dear Neighbor,

This week brought devastating developments as Russia chose to launch an unprovoked and unconscionable war against Ukraine that will have devastating consequences for the people of Ukraine and for the world.  In doing so, President Putin has violated the core principles that uphold global peace and security, seeking to change the borders of a sovereign country by force.

As Americans, we must be united in our opposition to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and assault on its sovereign, democratic government as well as in our support for the right of Ukraine to defend itself.  Over the last several days, the United States has taken swift and unified action with our allies and partners in initiating sanctions to weaken Russia strategically, economically, and diplomatically. 

I have participated in Congressional briefings this week from our diplomatic and military leaders, including Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, General Mark Milley, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, Attorney General Merrick Garland and FBI Director Christopher Wray, on the conflict, the response, and the actions we are taking in the United States.  I support the sanctions and measures the United States has taken in response to Russian aggression on behalf of our community, which has been united in its concern about the war.

I have heard from many of our neighbors this week, some with family and loved ones in Ukraine.  Our team is working to help in all the ways we can.  I know that people across our community have been affected by the difficult images we are seeing of this war—especially our veterans.  The Veterans Crisis line offers confidential, 24/7 support for veterans and their loved ones.  You don't have to be enrolled in VA benefits or health care to call.  Call 1-800-273-8255 at any time. 

Also, for those with loved ones in the region, please note that the State Department is continually updating travel advisories and other guidance, which you can find on its website.

The House was not in session this week, but I have been working on legislation in response to the situation in Ukraine to help and incentivize our European partners to replace Russian natural gas, oil, and nuclear supplies with American energy. 

I also joined my colleagues in sending two letters on issues important to our community:

• A letter to Assistant Attorney General Clarke urging the Department of Justice to expedite its lawsuit against the State of Texas and the Texas Secretary of State over certain restrictive voting procedures enforced by Texas Senate Bill 1.  
• A letter to the Food and Drug Administration highlighting the need for a timely and evidence-based review of over-the-counter contraceptives.

It was good to visit with people across the district this week in many places – from the sacred to the celebratory.  

On Thursday, I joined the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Galveston District’s Bi-annual Stakeholder Partnering Forum focusing on how environmental and social justice are important to coastal resilience.  I was glad to have the opportunity to address those gathered and attending virtually with an update from Washington.  Russia’s unprovoked aggression that day reminded me, as it should every day, how grateful I am for our men and women in uniform who stand ready to defend our country.  And I appreciated the opportunity to share that sentiment in the company of the Army Corps. of Engineers, which works to protect our communities by building the infrastructure we need to keep us safe. 

And it wasn’t just me visiting people around the area.  As always, Team TX-07 was out in the district this week for community events, as is true each week.  Among this week’s highlights was the UTHealth Houston School of Dentistry Give Kids a Smile event with local schools and leaders, including my State Representative, Ann Johnson.

I enjoyed meeting virtually with groups this week, including Jewish Family Service of Houston and the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston during Jewish Disability Advocacy Month as we discussed ways to advance policy that empowers individuals with disabilities to achieve maximum independence. 

I was glad to visit with the Alzheimer’s Association about how best to support Alzheimer’s research at the National Institutes of Health as Congress prepares to begin our annual appropriations process. 

This was a big week for COVID-19 developments, as well.  Harris County moved the threat level from severe to significant.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released a new framework for COVID-19 guidance that includes masking guidance and a “county check tool” that allows you to see whether you face a low, medium, or high virus level in your area.  To use the tool, click here or call 800-232-4636. 

Currently, Harris County is at medium level, meaning if you are at high risk for severe illness, you should talk to your health care provider about whether you need to wear a mask and take other precautions.  You should also stay up to date with COVID-19 vaccines and get tested if you have symptoms. 

This week, I heard from several of our neighbors on the federal Wild Horse and Burro Program.  As you may know, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) established the Wild Horse and Burro Program to execute the Wild-Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act of 1971.   Because of the absence of natural population controls, the BLM has the unique role of managing the population growth of wild horse and burro herds—which can double in size in just four to five years if not managed.  Unfortunately, this process involves mass roundups and removals that too often result in mismanagement and harsh treatment of these animals.  I agree with their concerns about the importance of humane and sustainable management of wild horses and burros on our public lands, which is why I supported measures to advance these efforts in the House appropriations bill for Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies for Fiscal Year 2022.  Specifically, this bill provides $162 million for the Wild Horse and Burro program, which includes $11 million for research on reversible immunocontraceptive fertility control and its administration

This will be another busy week, as House members return to Washington for a three-week legislative session.  The House will consider several important bills this week, including H.R. 3967 the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (“Honoring our PACT”) Act, legislation to address the long-term health impact on service-members and veterans from burn pits and other toxic exposures.  I’ll report back to you on this and other legislative work next week.

On Tuesday, the Congress will gather to hear the President’s State of the Union Address.  Tuesday is also Election Day in Texas!  Be sure to make your voice heard in this election. Learn more and find a polling place at HarrisVotes.com.

I am honored to represent you and I am here to help you.  Please call my office at (713) 353-8680 or (202) 225-2571 or email me at fletcher.house.gov/contact at any time to ask for assistance or share your thoughts.  My team and I are here to help.

With best wishes,

PS:  As I prepare for our upcoming quarterly telephone town hall and future Community Conversations, I would like to know what you want to hear more about.  Will you take a minute to fill out my 2022 Priorities Survey here to let me know?